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MUNCIE, Ind. — There's an old Wayne Gretzky quote that Ball State University President Geoffery Mearns likes. And it applies directly to the open position of Ball State athletic director, which Mearns ultimately will have the final say as to who gets the job.

The quote goes like this: "Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been."

That's the type of thinking that is most important to Mearns as he chooses Ball State's next athletic director, which he hopes to announce by the end of May.

"We want an athletic director who will help us build a program to where college athletics is going to be in 10 years," Mearns recently told the Star Press. "If you think of the competitive changes or the threats to college athletics – whether that be the antitrust lawsuits, whether it’s the most recent scandals that NCAA basketball is facing – if people think athletics is just the status quo or incremental change is all that is going to happen in the next 10 years, I think they are mistaken.

"I don’t know what that is, but I want an athletic director who has the vision and the courage to lead us to that point."

Mearns said that won't be the first question he asks prospective candidates to replace outgoing athletic director Mark Sandy, but it will be one of the most important questions. It's an interesting topic to consider; how much change is coming to college athletics and how will that affect a mid-major such as Ball State?

"I’m not expecting they will have the right answer, because it is hard to discern now what that right answer is," Mearns said. "But if a candidate hasn’t thought about that question and doesn’t have some ideas, that candidate won’t be the right candidate for us."

There is an outside firm to generate what Mearns calls "a pool of diverse and qualified candidates." He has his own committee on campus that is a mix of administrators, coaches, athletes and boosters. It consists of professor Lindsey Blom, booster Dave Heeter, field hockey player Sierra Jefferson, professor Larry Judge, associate athletic director Karin Lee, former basketball player Paris McCurdy, head volleyball coach Kelli Miller, head football coach Mike Neu, soccer player Tristin Stuteville and Secretary of the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors Marla Templeton.

Mearns said what should be attractive about Ball State's athletic director position is that there isn't a tremendous disparity across the Mid-American Conference in financial resources.

"The programs are generally resourced in the same general ballpark, some a little bit more, some a little bit less," he said. "What that means then is the teams that will compete aren’t ones who get there by just spending a lot of money. ... Leadership matters, whether that’s at the athletic director level, the administrator level, the coaching level."

A notable exception, of course, is that Ball State is the only Mid-American Conference school without an indoor football facility, which certainly is a disadvantage in recruiting. Buffalo broke ground on its facility last October, leaving just Ball State.

Mearns said he was initially surprised Sandy announced in January that he was retiring at the end of June after serving as Ball State's athletic director for three years. But he was grateful that Sandy gave plenty of notice so there could be a smooth transition for the next athletic director and possibly even a little overlap. At the latest, Mearns wants the new athletic director on campus July 1.

Mearns also hired an athletic director while president at Northern Kentucky, albeit under very different circumstances. Shortly after arriving at Northern Kentucky, Mearns had to fire athletic director Scott Eaton, who later pleaded guilty to embezzling $311,000 from the university.

This time around, Mearns is looking for someone who isn't just going to ask for chunks of money, but rather will use those funds most efficiently.

"I want to hear from someone who says, 'Given the resources I have, how can I deploy those resources to have a greater impact and improve the performance of our student athletes on the field and in the classroom?'" Mearns said.

"That should be really attractive, right? It’s like participating in a sporting event where everyone is essentially showing up with the same talent level, where the hardest worker and the most courageous athlete is going to win."

Ryan O’Gara is a sports features writer at the Star Press. Contact him at (765) 213-5829, rogara@muncie.gannett.com or @RyanOGara.

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Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns talks to the crowd gathered for the commencement ceremony on May 5. The ceremony marked the graduation of 3,300 from Ball State. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,350 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Family members cheer on students as they participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns talks to the crowd gathered for the commencement ceremony on May 5. The ceremony marked the graduation of 3,300 from Ball State. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Robert G. Bob Hunt gives the commencement address to a packed crowd on May 5 for Ball State's spring graduation. Hunt was given an honorary doctorate of laws Saturday for his many contributions to Ball State as well as his efforts as a business executive and humanitarian. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Soon to be graduates take photos with friends and family while waiting for the commencement ceremony to start on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for the Spring 2018 graduating class. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Soon to be graduates take photos with friends and family while waiting for the commencement ceremony to start on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,350 graduates for the Spring 2018 graduating class. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Over 3,000 graduates walk to the back of the Arts Terrace to line up with their colleges before the Spring 2018 commencement ceremony began. This year Robert Hunt gave the address to the university. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Soon to be graduates take photos with friends and family while waiting for the commencement ceremony to start on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for the Spring 2018 graduating class. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press

Hundreds of Ball State University Students participate in the commencement ceremony on the lawn of the Arts Terrace on Ball State's campus. The commencement saw 3,300 graduates for Spring 2018. Corey Ohlenkamp/Star Press